Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song.
Series: Blood of Eden, #3.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014.
Publisher: Mira Ink.
Format: Paperback, 384 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:



Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the ultimate question: is she a human or monster?

With the death of her love she has her answer.

Monster.

Embracing her inner darkness, Allie is now determined to hunt and kill Sarren, the psychopath who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long and Sarren is leading Allie’s dangerous fight to the one place she must protect at any cost – Eden, the last safe-zone on earth. Forced into a battle that it may be impossible to win, Allie is about to face her darkest days.
And, if she succeeds, she could face surviving forever alone.

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It seems like forever ago that I read and loved the second book in this wonderful trilogy. So I have to say I was a little apprehensive about starting The Forever Song, not just because it’s the conclusion to the story, but because I wasn’t sure how much I’d remember from the first two books. I didn’t have to worry for long though, because as soon as I started reading The Forever Song, everything came flooding back! The Forever Song was the most perfect and heart-wrenching conclusion to the Blood of Eden trilogy – I couldn’t have dreamt a more wonderful, beautiful and incredible ending.

Allison’s character has drastically changed since the first book in the series; she’s grown from this weedy, scared little girl, to a completely wonderful, strong, beautiful, loyal and badass woman. In The Forever Song, we get to see Allison’s dark, dangerous and murderous side – fuelled by anger and grief – and I really loved reading about her in that state of mind. It was so completely different from the other books, but just as incredible. Allie is definitely my most favourite female character that I’ve read about – I love her determination and her inner struggle with herself, to not become the monster she fears she’ll be. She’s headstrong, and erratic and often ruled by her emotions rather than common sense, but I think that just makes her even more of an amazing character.

Kanin is Allison’s sire, and a master Vampire. From the moment I was introduced to him in the first book in this trilogy, I loved him. Kanin is the most compassionate and deep and detailed secondary character that I’ve ever read about. He becomes a father figure to Allison, and there is a loyalty and connection between the two that goes beyond their blood tie. They’re family, and I’m one hundred percent sure that Kanin loves Allison like she were his own daughter, and the pride he has in her is incredible. I love Kanin’s character for all those reasons, and so many, many more.

Jackal is Allison’s blood brother of sorts – sired by Kanin years previously. He’s a sarcastic, rude, egotistical, self-involved, murdering and twisted character that you just can’t help but love - especially the more you read about him. In the first book, I hated him with a passion, but in the second I grew to love him in a weird and freaky way. And in The Forever Song, I loved him even more. He hasn’t changed since the first book, and is still awful and cruel, but there’s this comedic aura around him, and I can’t help but laugh at some of things he comes out with. You may question my sanity slightly, but read the books and judge for yourself!

Overall, I loved The Forever Song so much; I’m finding it ridiculously hard to put how I feel into words. I flew through the novel, desperate to find out what would happen next. One minute I was crying like an idiot, and the next I was laughing my head off. The Forever Song was dark, intense and filled with twists and sinister plans. I absolutely adore Julie Kagawa’s writing, she has this incredibly ability to not only create an intricately woven world, but to also make you feel like you’re right there along with the characters. She’s just absolutely phenomenal! I will be recommending this series to every single person I know who reads – I’ll be stopping people in book stores and shoving copies of the series in their arms and telling them to read it. It’s one of those series that just sticks with you, with every little detail clinging to your mind - not letting you forget it even when you’ve read the last page and put the book back on the shelf. If I could give The Forever Song, and the Blood of Eden trilogy, more than 5 stars – I would! I’d gladly give it a thousand stars, because it well and truly deserves it. If you haven’t picked up the first book yet, go do it now, you won’t regret it.

Quotes

This time, there was no doubt. No hesitation. Even if it hurt. Even though remembering Zeke ripped my heart into a million tiny pieces, I would not let this thing win. And if that meant fighting the monster until the end of time, that’s what I was going to do. - Page 61 & 62.

I remembered my Zeke: brave, determined, compassionate. The boy who hadn’t let the fact that I was a vampire scare him away, who had offered his heart to a monster, because he could see the human inside. The only living being I would ever open myself up to, because I’d trusted him.
Because I’d known he would never hurt me. - Page 127 & 128.

“I thought we had more time, even though I knew better. Life is so fragile, and someone can be taken from you at any time. I’ve always known that.” - Page 225.

Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Eternity Cure.
Series: Blood of Eden, #2.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2013.
Publisher: Mira Ink.
Format: Paperback, 434 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:



In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time. Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

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“He was willing to try, to offer his heart to a demon, and I would not betray that trust. No matter what it took or how hard I had to fight, I would not become a monster.”

I don’t think I’ve ever written a review of a sequel to a book before, so I’m not really sure how this will go – but I’ll try my best! First off, I would like to say; Julie Kagawa, what on earth have you done?! WHY did you leave the ending that way? Are you TRYING to turns us into puddles of emotions on the floor? The ending of The Eternity Cure absolutely killed me, it really did. Aside from the absolutely heart-wrenching ending, The Eternity Cure was dark, creepy, intense, blood-filled and more pulse-racing than the previous book. I wasn’t sure if any sequel could be as good as The Immortal Rules, but this one was just as fantastic!

I didn’t realise how much I’d missed reading about Allie’s character until I picked up The Eternity Cure. Allie is back with full force in this novel, and she’s stronger, fiercer and more bad-assed than before! There are so many different things about Allie’s character that I love, I could go on for paragraphs about how much of an awesome character she is, but I’ll stick to just this one. I think Allie is a really fantastic and incredible character, not only is she physically stronger in this sequel, but mentally as well. She’s been fighting her inner demons since the day she was turned, and is constantly struggling to choose humanity over the monster within her. I really think it’s amazing how compassionate she is, Allie hates to kill, even when the hunger is pulling her under – she’s chosen what kind of monster she’s become – and it’s not a mindless murderer.

Zeke, oh Zeke – how I missed you, too! It’s been months since Allie said goodbye to him in Eden and set off to look for Kanin, but I always hoped that Zeke would reappear along the way - and I’m so glad he did! Zeke is also back with full force and is more bad-ass than before. He’s also more swoon-worthy and wonderful. (Did I actually just say ‘swoon-worthy?’) I loved Zeke’s character in The Immortal Rules, but I loved him even more in The Eternity Cure! He cares about Allie so much, even though he knows what she is and what she’s capable of – and I think it’s incredible. Zeke is a strong-willed guy and I loved him so much, he’s definitely become one of my favourite male characters, ever!

Allie and Zeke’s relationship doesn’t spark off again until further into The Eternity Cure, but I didn’t mind. The passion and connection between the two was incredible, and the chemistry between them radiated off the two and nearly made me weep. I loved how they wanted to defy the odds and be together, even though it’s really an impossible situation. How can a human and a vampire be together? I do hope they find a way, because I am in love with their relationship.

As for the rest of the characters, I’d like to start off with Jackal. I NEVER expected to end up liking him at all; I was cheering Allie on whenever she wanted to kill him. However, as the novel progressed, I saw a side to him I never thought I’d never see. He actually cares, maybe not about humans, but about Allie and Kanin. It was really great to see how Allie’s humanity rubbed off on Jackal – and I became quite fond of his character by the end of the book. He’s also quite the entertaining character at times, and many of his dark and snide comments made me laugh. Moving onto Kanin character – oh how I loved him! In The Immortal Rules you meet him, however you don’t seem to get a grip on what his character is really like and his background. In The Eternity Cure, you learn all about his past and what kind of Vampire he really is. I really loved Kanin’s character, he’s compassionate, kind and caring – and is now one of my favourite characters in the series.

Overall, I thought this book was bloody fantastic and I can’t find a single fault with it. As I think I must have said a thousand times, Julie Kagawa’s writing is flawless and I’m completely in love with the story she’s woven and the characters she’s created. I wish that I could give this book more than 5 stars, because it deserves SO MUCH more! The ending to The Eternity Cure killed me and I found myself shamelessly crying – I can’t seem to decide whether the ending was the perfect one or the most annoying one – I’ll let you know! I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book in this series and see where everything will go. Until then, I’ll just have to keep the story and characters close to my heart!

Quotes

He looked...very alone then, a single human in a monster-infested world, a fading bright spot surrounded by shadow. And despite my best intentions, my determination not to be a monster, I was part of the world that he feared. Part of the darkness that would drag him down and tear him apart. - Page 164.

I shifted uneasily, feeling a restless flicker of the Hunger stir to life. So many humans... - Page 182.

It was suddenly painful not to touch him, to feel his hands on mine, his lips, warm and strong. But, of course, with the desire came the savage ache of the Hunger. I remembered the sweetness of his blood, the hot strength flowing through me, the intoxicating power. I wanted him, badly, but I didn’t know which was stronger. And I was afraid to find out. - Page 260.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules.
Series: Blood of Eden, #1.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: May 4th, 2012.
Publisher: Mira Ink.
Format: Paperback, 485 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:



To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…..

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what - and who - are worth dying for….

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“Hunger flickered, always there, but I pushed it down. I was a vampire. Nothing would change that. But I didn't have to be a monster.”

Wow, I really don’t know where to start with this review but this book was incredible! This was the first book I’ve read by Julie Kagawa, and I’d heard so many great things about this particular book, that I couldn’t wait to pick it up. I was, however, a little apprehensive about it as well – on rare occasions I find myself disliking a book that is so loved. I have no idea why – but I’m so glad to say this was not the case in reading The Immortal Rules.

The entire world Julie created in this book was absolutely phenomenal. The story is gritty and grimy, and doesn’t spare any of the nasty and gory details. Straight away, we’re thrown into a world where Vampires reign and the humans are like blood cattle, penned in to keep them from leaving and to stop the rabids from coming in.

I absolutely adored Allie’s character; she’s smart, caring and very independent. I loved how she could take care of herself, no matter the situation and wasn’t sitting around crying when danger came along. Allie was a really strong character, and tried her best not to let her emotions cloud her judgement. It was amazing to see how strong Allie’s determination to live was, even if it meant becoming a Vampire – she was definitely a kick-ass character, especially when wielding her katana!

Zeke is the love-interest in this novel, although I say ‘love-interest’ very loosely. The novel doesn’t revolve around Zeke’s and Allie’s relationship, which I loved. Zeke is cute, honest, sweet, kind, funny and just an amazing character overall. If I could have him for myself, I definitely would! He puts so many male characters I’ve grown attached to in the past to shame. It’s really easy to tell how anyone could fall in love with him.

Allie and Zeke’s relationship was incredible. They’re both such guarded characters, and I loved watching their relationship grow. Their feelings for each other are definitely not insta-love – it’s so realistic and relatable. I thought their relationship was just perfect and builds up slowly and gradually. On many places throughout this book was I was screaming inside at them, I just wished they would get on with it and kiss already – but I knew in my mind that it just wasn’t the time for them.

Even though the first few pages of the novel were a little slow, it doesn’t take long to be drawn into the story and become engaged with the characters. The entire book was an emotional rollercoaster for me; I felt every sting of betrayal, every pain and ache that the characters went through. I cried along with the characters and laughed with them as well. All the emotions in The Immortal Rules were so raw and amazing that I just couldn’t help not feeling them.

Overall, I really did think this book was amazing and I don’t have any complaints about it at all. The novel is fast-paced, but not at all confusing and I loved every minute of reading it. It was definitely a book I found extremely hard to put down! I’d recommend this book to anyone, even people who aren’t huge fans of paranormal aspects, because it’s just a fantastic book that I believe could draw in everyone. Julie Kagawa’s writing is beautiful and creepy and intense at the same time and I can’t wait to read the sequel to this incredible book. I believe the 5/5 star rating was well and truly eared and If I could rate it more, I definitely would.

Quotes

“Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. Accidentally or as a conscious, deliberate act. It is unavoidable. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?” - Page 96.

I wasn't thinking of his blood, rushing just below the skin. I wasn't thinking of his heartbeat or his touch or the pulse at his throat. Right now, all I was thinking of was Zeke. - Page 410.

'We are vampires,' Kanin had told me, on one of our last nights together. 'It makes no difference who we are, where we came from. Princes, Masters and rabids alike, we are monsters, cut off from humanity. They will never trust us. They will never accept us. We hide in their midst and walk among them, but we are forever separate. Damned. Alone. You don’t understand now, but you will. There will come a time when the road before you splits, and you must decide your path. Will you choose to become a demon with a human face, or will you fight your demon until the end of time, knowing you will forever struggle alone?' - Page 484.

Review: The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak

Title: The Harvesting.
Series: The Harvesting, #1.
Author: Melanie Karsak.
Publication Date: September 13th, 2012.
Publisher: Steampunk Press.
Format: Kindle eBook.
Source: Recieved e-copy for blog tour.
My Rating:



It's all fun and games until someone ends up undead.

Though Layla reluctantly returns home to rural Hamletville after a desperate call from her psychic grandmother, she could never have anticipated the horror of what Grandma Petrovich has foreseen. The residents of Hamletville will need Layla's help if they are to survive the zombie apocalypse that's upon them. But that is not the only problem. With mankind silenced, it soon becomes apparent that we were never alone. As the beings living on the fringe seek to reclaim power, Layla must find a way to protect the ones she loves or all humanity may be lost.

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Layla is living successfully and happily in New York when she receives a rather anxious and demanding phone call from the psychic Grandmother that raised her. Layla’s Grandma demands that she must return to her home town straight away, and then hangs up without giving a reason. When Layla arrives, she finds her Grandmother has been stockpiling supplies, getting rid of unnecessary objects and sends Layla out on errands to gather even more necessities – all, again, without telling her what’s going on. Her Grandma teachers her how to load and shoot the firearms she’s stocked up on, and puts her into an induced sleep. Once Layla awakens, she finds the Zombie Apocalypse has spread to her town, turning many of the people into flesh eating Zombies, her Grandma is missing and she now has psychic abilities. However, Layla has to push all that aside as she tries her best to protect the town and the people in it; who have all of a sudden turned to her for guidance.

The Harvesting was a great New Adult/Adult post apocalyptic and fantasy novel all squished into one. I liked this book, I really did; it contained humour and just enough romance to satisfy my girlish need. However there were quite a few things that just irritated me, didn’t seem to fit or I found brought the rating of the book down in general.

Layla, our main character, is the kick-ass heroine who appears in town and helps save the day - pretty predictable, right? Although I liked Layla’s character overall, I didn’t feel that she was very well developed at all. Layla is a fencing/martial arts sword instructor and curator. As the book progressed, I kept hoping that we’d find out more about Layla’s character, past and personality but I was disappointed. She has bad history in the town, leaving after a messy breakup with her high school sweetheart four years ago and hasn’t returned since. The only characteristics I managed to pick up from Layla is that she’s strong-willed, a great sword wielder and a natural born leader.

Throughout the entire novel, we meet quite a few new people from the small town. Although they’re pretty much glossed over and not well described; it was fun to read about them as they blended into the story. Two people we meet in particular are Ian and Jamie, who are brothers from the town. Ian is Layla’s high school sweetheart and ex-boyfriend. I hated Ian from the start, not just because of the things he did to Layla in the past, but because his character was a complete and utter jerk. Jamie is a sweet and kind guy, who’s just come back to the town from being in Iraq as a medic. I loved Jamie from the start, he was such an easy going guy that you could tell that Layla could fully relax and be herself around him.

Although I was disappointed not to know more about the characters personalities, it didn’t stop me from wanting to continue reading this novel. I did find that the novel was constantly jumping from scene to scene; often jumping a month or so into the future with no pre-warning – which was really annoying and hard to keep up with. I also wished there was a lot more detailing than there was, it felt like the author was just gliding over the details and important information. Whether this was intentional or not, I found it slightly frustrating.

The story had so many different aspects to it, which I loved. There was plenty of Folklore, fairies, magic, weapons and battles to keep any fantasy and post-apocalyptic enthusiasts entertained for a while. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about all these different aspects, seeing as I at first I thought it was just a Zombie novel, but the more I read the more interesting and appealing it was. Along with being a post-apocalyptic novel, we meet another super-natural being – which I thought was totally out of place at first – but looking back, I realised it helped make the novel what it was.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; it had so many different twists and turns that I never knew what would happen next. Unfortunately, I did only rate it 3/5 stars because of the aspects mentioned above. Melanie Karsak’s writing was completely different from what I’ve read before and I’ll be sure to check out the sequel to this book, The Shadow Aspect, when it’s released!

Quotes

“If you ever need to slice someone’s head off, this is the blade you want,” I said as I lifted a curved sword off the table in front of me. - Loc 49, 1%.

“Layla, we need more weapons. We’ve cleared out the Lewis’ shop and the Sheriff’s Office, but it’s still not enough. And we really need more ammo,” Will said.
“What about the VFW? They got anything there?” I asked.
Will shook his head. “Just antiques.”
“They’ve got a working cannon. We could use that,” Jeff said.
“Dude, what are you gonna do with a cannon? We’re not fighting the British Armada,” Will replied. Jeff gave Will the finger. - Loc 984, 23%.

KiKi pulled off the headphones. I dropped the paper and pushed open the window. “Jump,” I told KiKi. Following behind her, I bounced out of the window. For the second time, I landed on the roof of the porch. I did not like that this was becoming a trend. - Loc 2919, 69%.

Blog Tour: Aurora Sky, Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford Review

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for hosting this feature!

Title: Tranfusion.
Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, #1.
Author: Nikki Jefford.
Publication Date: December 9th, 2012.
Publisher: Create Space.
Format: Kindle eBook.
Source: Recieved e-copy for blog tour.
My Rating:



If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.

Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire. And if he’s a vampire, will she be forced to kill him?

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Review

I received an e-Book copy of this book for a blog tour, in exchange for an honest review.

Transfusion was a fantastic book that kept me on edge and propelled me to keep on turning the pages to read more and more. This novel was incredibly unique with such an interesting, well thought out and fascinating plot that I didn’t want it to end! Throughout the entire book, you can easily tell how fresh, fun and original everything is, right down to the littlest of details.

Aurora Sky is a bit of a social outcast, but is determined to keep calm and carry on throughout her remaining time left at High School. Aurora has been accepted at a top league college, Notre Dame, and can’t wait to get out of her small town in Alaska. Suddenly, Aurora is in a car crash that leaves her fatally injured and on the verge of death – until suddenly, the government steps in with a proposal. Aurora’s mother happily signs away her daughter’s future to the government to save Aurora’s life. The downside (at least, Aurora think so), is that she has now unwillingly become a Vampire Hunter. With the help of a special vaccination created by the government, mixed with her rare blood type, Aurora’s blood temporarily paralyses any Vampire who may happen to bite her. Aurora is sent out into the field, with her mentor, Dante, to assassinate any Vampires that she finds.

I loved Aurora’s character; she was such a typical teenager that it made me smile. She’s stubborn, hot-headed and doesn’t get along with her parents very well. Other than that, Aurora is also funny, smart and well grounded. Obviously, Aurora has been through a lot, but I found that throughout the novel her character was constantly growing and maturing into an even better version of her original self. I was constantly laughing at different things Aurora would say or do; she has that teenage arrogance and witty sarcasm that made me like her character even more.

As for Fane’s character, I loved him from the start. He’s dark and mysterious, brooding and alluring. I’ve probably mentioned how much I love those characteristics in male characters before – but I’ll say it again – I love them! Alongside with being all mystifying and puzzling, he was also really sweet, kind and cares a great deal about the people in his life. The book doesn’t got a whole lot deeper into Fane’s character, which was a bit disappointing, but none the less, I thought his character was great.

I loved the fact that the relationship between Aurora and Fane was not insta-love. Sometimes I can read it and enjoy it, but most of the time it really irritates me because things just don’t happen like that in real life. Aurora and Fane’s relationship grows and blossoms into a passionate and sweet relationship. They connected on a whole different level and the chemistry between them was really intense. I loved how they took time to get to know each other and how much Fane took care to Aurora. It made their relationship even more believable and sweet.

Although I was pretty much in love with this book, I ended up bumping it down a star because at times, the plot got a little confusing and often one scene would suddenly jump quickly to another with no warning what so ever. I also thought that the novel was a little rushed and wished it could have gone into a little more detail in certain places. However, these things did not diminish my opinion of Transfusion. I thought Nikki Jefford’s writing was amazing and captured the everyday teen’s actions and personalities really well – I’ll definitely be reading more by Nikki Jefford in the future. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Transfusion - it was such a fantastic read - and I can’t wait for the sequel to be released!

Giveaway

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Website | Good Reads | Facebook | Twitter
Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She is the author of the Spellbound Trilogy and upcoming Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series. Nikki married Sebastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington.

You can follow the rest of the tour here! :)

Review: Transfusion by Nikki Jefford

Title: Tranfusion.
Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, #1.
Author: Nikki Jefford.
Publication Date: December 9th, 2012.
Publisher: Create Space.
Format: Kindle eBook.
Source: Recieved e-copy for blog tour.
My Rating:



If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.

Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire. And if he’s a vampire, will she be forced to kill him?

Amazon UK Amazon US Book Depository

Transfusion was a fantastic book that kept me on edge and propelled me to keep on turning the pages to read more and more. This novel was incredibly unique with such an interesting, well thought out and fascinating plot that I didn’t want it to end! Throughout the entire book, you can easily tell how fresh, fun and original everything is, right down to the littlest of details.

Aurora Sky is a bit of a social outcast, but is determined to keep calm and carry on throughout her remaining time left at High School. Aurora has been accepted at a top league college, Notre Dame, and can’t wait to get out of her small town in Alaska. Suddenly, Aurora is in a car crash that leaves her fatally injured and on the verge of death – until suddenly, the government steps in with a proposal. Aurora’s mother happily signs away her daughter’s future to the government to save Aurora’s life. The downside (at least, Aurora think so), is that she has now unwillingly become a Vampire Hunter. With the help of a special vaccination created by the government, mixed with her rare blood type, Aurora’s blood temporarily paralyses any Vampire who may happen to bite her. Aurora is sent out into the field, with her mentor, Dante, to assassinate any Vampires that she finds.

I loved Aurora’s character; she was such a typical teenager that it made me smile. She’s stubborn, hot-headed and doesn’t get along with her parents very well. Other than that, Aurora is also funny, smart and well grounded. Obviously, Aurora has been through a lot, but I found that throughout the novel her character was constantly growing and maturing into an even better version of her original self. I was constantly laughing at different things Aurora would say or do; she has that teenage arrogance and witty sarcasm that made me like her character even more.

As for Fane’s character, I loved him from the start. He’s dark and mysterious, brooding and alluring. I’ve probably mentioned how much I love those characteristics in male characters before – but I’ll say it again – I love them! Alongside with being all mystifying and puzzling, he was also really sweet, kind and cares a great deal about the people in his life. The book doesn’t got a whole lot deeper into Fane’s character, which was a bit disappointing, but none the less, I thought his character was great.

I loved the fact that the relationship between Aurora and Fane was not insta-love. Sometimes I can read it and enjoy it, but most of the time it really irritates me because things just don’t happen like that in real life. Aurora and Fane’s relationship grows and blossoms into a passionate and sweet relationship. They connected on a whole different level and the chemistry between them was really intense. I loved how they took time to get to know each other and how much Fane took care to Aurora. It made their relationship even more believable and sweet.

Although I was pretty much in love with this book, I ended up bumping it down a star because at times, the plot got a little confusing and often one scene would suddenly jump quickly to another with no warning what so ever. I also thought that the novel was a little rushed and wished it could have gone into a little more detail in certain places. However, these things did not diminish my opinion of Transfusion. I thought Nikki Jefford’s writing was amazing and captured the everyday teen’s actions and personalities really well – I’ll definitely be reading more by Nikki Jefford in the future. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Transfusion - it was such a fantastic read - and I can’t wait for the sequel to be released!

Quotes

I felt like throwing up when I heard the word "feed." Instinctively I touched my neck and pulled back bloody fingers.
"This is your gift, Aurora. Your blood. Now finish the creature off."
I pushed muself into sitting position and looking toward the mirror. The ghoulish wheezing behind me didn't let up. - Loc 806, 19%.

Ivo's razor teeth pierced through my skin. He dug in deep and shook his mouth like a bloodthirsty wolf. My skin tore. Blood spilled down my neck. My heart pumped blood up my throat. Ivo drank greedily. One,two,three,four,five...six. I counted in my head.
Suddenly his jaw slackened. His grip weakened. He fell on top of me, convulsing. I shoved him off. While he twitched, I pulled up my pant leg and took out the dagger. His eyes bulged. - Loc 2311, 56%.

As soon as I stepped out of the Jeep, Dante pulled away and barreled down the road. This was one girl he didn't have to worry about seeing to the door...though he could have waited to make sure I reached it. The air felt balmy compared to Fairbanks, but an instant shiver ran down my spine. I glanced at the forest at the top of the hill.
I didn't see anyone, but I felt like I was being watched. - Loc 3363, 82%.

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones.
Series: The Mortal Instruments, #1.
Author: Cassandra Clare.
Publication Date: March 27th, 2007.
Publisher: Walker Books.
Format: Paperback, 442 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:



When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Clary thinks she’s just a normal, 15 year old girl. I mean, she pretty much is; living in Brooklyn with her artist mother and hanging around with her best friend, Simon. That is until one night at an under-age club called Pandemonium, she sees a group of three teenagers killing what looks like a boy. However, no one else can see them - there’s no blood, and no sign of any disturbance at all. Clary shouldn’t have been able to see these three mysterious teenagers at all, she’s a “mundane”, a human – and doesn’t have the sight to see them. But is she really? Has her mother been lying to her about who she really is? When her mother is kidnapped one evening, Clary is attacked by a demon and is rescued by Jace, one of the three teenagers she saw at the club. Soon she learns that Jace, Isabelle and Alec are Shadowhunters, born and bred to kill demons. With the help of her new friends, Clary learns more and more about the Underworld and her past and goes on a mission to save her mother.

I feel like I must be the last person in the book blogging community that hadn't read this book before! I’m not always a huge fan of Fantasy books, I mean, I’ve never read Lord of The Rings or anything else that’s along those lines - unless you count Harry Potter in that category. I was a little reluctant to add this book to my TBR list, but I heard so many great reviews and ravings about it, I just had to at least try to get my hands on it. I received a surprise copy for Christmas from my parents and I was actually very excited. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and was instantly drawn into the story. I loved this novel, it was incredible.

I loved Clary’s character, right from the beginning. She’s such a typical teenager; fighting with her mum, and ignoring her calls - which made me smile. There was something about her that was so natural and refreshing. She starts off as this timid girl, but as the book progresses she really grows into herself, becoming more confident, and quite frankly; a bad ass. Clary is a strong protagonist and quite headstrong at times, but I still loved her. Plus, she’s a red-head, so I’ll give her extra points!

Simon’s character actually really irritated me. I mean, there’s jealously, but there’s also over the top, annoying and head banging against the wall jealously that makes you want to slap the person senseless. That’s how I felt when I read most scenes with Simon in, I mean, MAN UP, BOY! Apart from that his character was okay, Simon is Clary’s best friend, and has been for 10 years. I thought their friendship was amazing, and I knew Simon would do anything for Clary if she asked.

As for Jace - why is it that I'm always attracted to the dark, mysterious, bad boy look-a-like characters in books? I wish I could pounce on Jace, because I loved him so much. He makes me swoon and go all giggly and girly. No one ever said that was a bad thing though, right? He has this hard exterior that says, ‘get lost’, but all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and give him a cup of hot-chocolate with marshmallows and cream. Underneath that hard exterior though, is a sweet, kind and caring guy. I can’t begin to explain how much I wish he was real.

Although I gave this novel 5/5 stars; I was not happy with the ending - at all. So much so, that it nearly made me bump it down a star – but didn’t because the overall book was still incredible. Still, it was one of those rare times that I wanted to bend my rules of romance just to make myself happy in my imagination. When I reached the end of this book, I was filled with such mixed emotions and there was a little voice in my head, yelling various insults at Cassandra Clare, telling her she needed to change that ending. I was also, however, spewing a random stream of annoyance out loud. Mostly along the lines of;
“SERIOUSLY?!”
“That did not just happen! How can they do that?”
“Oh come on!”
“HOW COULD YOU?! Kill me now!”

I also found myself bashing my head against the arm of the sofa. I know I’m being a little over-dramatic but I'm filled with such love for this book, yet also with such frustration! There were so many different twists and turns throughout this novel that I found it a little hard to keep up, however that didn’t deter me. The storyline was constantly building and growing, the world building was incredible and I didn’t know what would happen next. Only once did I predict correctly what was going to happen, even though I guessed many times!

I loved Cassandra Clare’s writing style; it’s so different and unique. I really need to get my hands on the sequel to this book, pronto!

Quotes

"I know what it means," Clary snapped.
"No, you don't, you just think you do. Magic is a dark and elemental force, not just a lot of sparkly wands and crystal balls and talking goldfish."
"I never said it was a lot of talking goldfish, you-"
Jace waved his hand, cutting her off. "Just because you call an electric eel a rubber duck doesn't make it a rubber duck, does it? And God help the poor bastard that decides they want to take a bath with the duckie."
"You're driveling, Clary observed. - Page 82.

He took something out of his jacket and handed it to her. It was a long thing dagger in a leather sheath. The hilt of the dagger was set with a single red stone carved in the shape of a rose.
She shook her head. "I wouldn't even know how to use that-"
He pressed it into her hand, curling her fingers around it.
"You'd learn." He dropped his voice. It's in your blood."
She drew her hand back slowly. "All right."
"I could give you a thigh sheath to put that in," Isabelle offered. "I've got tons."
"CERTAINTLY NOT," said Simon.
Clary shot him an irritated look. "Thanks, but I'm not really a thigh sheath kind of girl." She slid the dagger into the outside pocket on her backpack. - Page 200.

"Drive fast, mundane," he said. "Drive like hell was following you."
Simon drove. - Page 330.